Presley and Elias Trejo were overjoyed when they gave birth to their healthy baby girl Emerson Faye back in July. Sadly, just twelve days after she was born, Presley and Elias lost Emerson when she passed away of a cold sore virus.

Now, the grieving parents are speaking out to issue a warning to others in the hopes that no other family will have to go through this.

“I wasn’t going to say anything yet but I’m tired of the speculation,” Presley wrote on Facebook. “But I’m tired of the speculation and it’s time to bring awareness to the terrible illness that took our baby away from us.”

In the days after she was born, Emerson contracted the Herpes Simplex Virus, or the HSV-1 virus, which is easily treatable in adults. In babies, however, the virus can be deadly because of how weak an infant’s immune system is. Presley described the virus as a “kiss of death” for Emerson, explaining that it spread rapidly.

“When someone who has the virus in their system and kisses an infant, it can spread rapidly,” she said. “You can have the virus and not even know you have it. You don’t have to have an active cold sore to pass it on.”

The virus started in Emerson’s brain, and it seemed like she had meningitis at first, but then it spread to her other organs.

“It happens so fast that you don’t even know the baby is sick,” Presley said. “[In] Emerson’s case, when we arrive to the hospital, her liver was completely gone.”

Emerson started having seizures that left her brain dead, and machines were soon the only thing keeping her alive.

“My daughter, my own flesh and blood who I created out of love, was on life support and I had to be the one to pull the plug on her life,” Presley wrote.

Emerson passed away on August 6.

“A mother should never ever have to bury their child,” Presley continued. “The virus took her at just 12 days old, and we watched her die a very slow death. And now I have a lifetime without her.”

Presley has gone public with this to offer a simple warning to others when it comes to dealing with newborns.

“Everyone needs to know about this virus and what it does to children and their families,” the grieving mother wrote. “PEOPLE!!!! STOP KISSING BABIES THAT ARE NOT YOURS!”

“Our perfectly healthy, happy, BEAUTIFUL angel is no longer here with us because of a terrible virus that people need to be more aware of,” Presley continued. “This is a serious and dangerous illness. Do your part, stop kissing babies and start washing your hands. These babies don’t deserve it. Emerson didn’t deserve it. I as a mother and wife didn’t deserve it. My husband and kids don’t deserve it. And now we will live a whole life time of ‘what-ifs.'”

“I love you Emerson Faye,” she concluded. “I will carry on your name and your love till eternity. I will never forget you. I will never stop loving you. Fly high beautiful baby.”

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers!